Grand Valley State should roll past Tiffin

ALLENDALE -- Tiffin University rolls up to Lubbers Stadium tonight with a young roster and in the second year of a rebuilding phase in hopes of competing in Division II and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The Dragons, former NAIA members, should have asked if they could wait a few years to play Grand Valley State.

The No. 1-ranked Lakers (5-0) scored 42 points in the first half last year and won 49-0, although the Dragons did threaten to score early before a fumble. Later, an interception and eight sacks caused big problems.

Grand Valley's challenge is to pay attention, prepare the same way as any week, improve and move on. A road game against Hillsdale -- among the high-powered offensive teams 3-1 in the league -- awaits.

But first, Tiffin (0-5) must not be ignored. The Dragons from Ohio must get schooled on "family day" at GVSU.

The fans are asked to dress in white for a stadium "white out," and if the Lakers work it right, they should see the Dragons ready to wave the white flag by the third quarter.

Still, Grand Valley coach Chuck Martin said Tiffin is doing the building process the right way.

"It]s a process they are going through, and they have some talented young kids," he said. "Down the road, they will get the benefits. If we rolled out our freshman this week, we wouldn't be very good.

"From our aspect, we want to get after them and play football like we did last year. We are going out with the idea we are going to execute and make as many plays as possible. If we execute, it will be a good game. If we don't, it could look like the (Ferris State game) all over again."

Tiffin will attempt to pass the ball, which could help the Lakers in the long run. Several players are in the defensive backfield to gain experience in the wake of cornerback Robert Carlisle being out for the season because of a broken leg.

"The jury is still out on how we are doing back there," Martin said. "I know we better have it squared away when we get in to the Hilldales and Ashlands of the world."

Grand Valley appeared very prepared to play Michigan Tech last week. If the Lakers use the same approach today, it could be over early. It probably should be over early.

Staying sharp and staying healthy should be major goals and hopes this week.